Comparison of The Tenant by Bharati Mukherjee and Lust by Susan Minot The protagonists of "The Tenant" by Bharati Mukherjee and "Lust" by Susan Minot are extremely promiscuous; both have many sexual relationships with little emotional involvement and no commitment. Although the two protagonists exhibit many of the same behaviors and often have similar motivations, their reasoning and reactions sometimes differ. “The Tenant” and “Lust” offer two different perspectives on the social expectations that would lead someone to be so irresponsible in their relationships. Both Maya, the protagonist of "The Tenant", and the unnamed protagonist of "Lust" have many relationships throughout the stories. These relationships are characterized by a lack of depth, commitment and emotional involvement. Maya "has slept with married men, with nameless men, with men little more than boys, but never with an Indian man" (106). "Lust" traces the various sexual exploits of the protagonist, who sees sex almost as a courtesy; he explains that “If you hang out with them, you have to do something” (292). The reasoning behind both women's promiscuity is rooted in a desire to rebel against the cultures in which they grew up and, at the same time sam...... middle of paper ...... less aware of the effects on herself. “The Tenant” and “Lust” are insights into the minds of two women who have similar motivations, but react differently to the same behavior. Their background and emotional reactions give clues as to why they choose to live as they do and why they believe it is appropriate or necessary. For both women, the motivations all tie back to social expectations in some way, even if one woman is trying to conform to them and the other is trying to defy them. Works Cited Meyer, Michael, ed. Bedford's introduction to literature. New York: Bedfort/St. Martin, 1999.